For those who are concerned about the size of the watch, fear not. Somehow it does not have an unusually large appearance on the wrist. I am somewhat slim boned and do not have large wrists and this watch wears just fine, not a problem at all. I upgraded from a GG 1000 because I wanted the solar power and multi band 6 and there does not feel like any difference in the wearing so if you are already a G Shock initiate, this watch will be familiar and if you are new to it, definitely jump straight into the deep end without reservation.
The LCD screen is exactly as everyone has said. It is dim and I included a photo at a typical viewing distance so you could see. If there is a downside to the watch this is it. I held off because of this and when the 2000 came out and also had a negative display I figured they just aren’t going to make this watch with a positive display so I bought the original model which I liked better than the 2000 and I am glad I did.
This may be the last watch I buy. It is a beautiful, handsome watch that looks fantastic and is a joy to wear. This watch, if you are getting the Japan import, comes in a box, not a tin. If you get a tin then you did not get the Japan import with the sapphire crystal. Don’t get anything less than the Japanese domestic market version. CA is the Canadian version, ER is the European version, CR is the Chinese version (definitely don’t get that). The JF version is what you want. The watch came set to Tokyo time and straight out of the box, without doing any adjustments to it, I checked it against the internet time and it was bang on to the millisecond.
I am a mild prepper. I built a 4.8kw portable solar generator, I have no debt, I have a emergency food supply, I own guns, water filtration, disinfectant and other basic stuff. I think this watch appealed to that part of me. It is solar so I am not dependent on battery replacements (at least not for 10 years). It is as rugged as a watch can be so it is a survivor. It has a compass and other helpful functions crammed into something you wear on your wrist that provides value disproportionate to its size, it is dependable and does it all while looking good!
If you understand the appeal of a Swiss Army pocket knife, if you have ever bought 2 of something so you have a backup if one breaks, if you drive a powerful pick up or something like a Jeep Wrangler, then you are likely someone who “gets” this watch. In that case I say go ahead and get it. You will be glad you did and will have a reliable companion for life.